Anne-Marie Corrado

The Moat House, Acton Trussell

15 June 2015

Anne-Marie and I go way back as we used to be best friends in primary school until she changed school, so it was a lovely to get a email asking me to do her wedding makeup. 

It was a sunny day so it was a lovely day to get married. 

Anne-Marie married Christopher at the Moat House in Acton Trussell on 15 June after planning the wedding for 18 months. 

The Moat House which has been one of Staffordshire’s most popular wedding venues for the last 25 years is Located alongside the Staffordshire and Worcestershire canal in the picturesque village of Acton Trussell, the venue is set in stunning grounds and surrounded by tranquil waters. The moat house is certainly one of my favourite venues because I had my wedding reception there 8 years ago.

The colour scheme that the couple chose was Peach and cream as it held a lot of significance as it was the colour scheme of Anne-Marie's parents when they got married. 

Anne-Marie and Christopher decided upon having a small and intimate civil ceremony of just 30 guests of their closest family and friends, then a reception for everyone on their return from honeymoon in Jamaica.

I was booked by Anne-Marie to do the wedding makeup of herself, her bridesmaid Kirstie and her mom Christine. 

Gemma Neville from Dream bridal hair was also booked to do the wedding hair of the bridal party. 

When I arrived early at the Moat House, Anne-Marie was quite relaxed and chilled out. She was joined in the room by Kirstie her best friend from school and Kirsties daughter Ellia. (Who is my daughters best friend at school).

The dresses were all hanging up and were beautiful. The bridesmaid dresses were from the Dressy dress shop in Stafford and the Wedding dress which was a Mori Lee dress was from Celebrity in Bridgetown. 

I did the makeup of Kirsty first who had a natural cream eyeshadow to compliment the dress and a nude pink lip, while Gemma made a start on Anne-Marie's hair. 

There was a knock on the door which was the first of many and was the flowers, which were supplied by Natalie's bloom room for flowers. The Bridesmaids had a gypsophila hand tied bouquet with lace to match the wedding dress and Anne-Marie's were soft blooms of roses and freesias, in peach and pastel colours.. Freesias are special to Anne-Marie as they were her nan's favourite and they have both passed away. The flowers were delivered  just at the right time as we were then joined by the photographer Kerry from KMS Photography, who had Ellia as a mini assistant throughout the morning. 

A special delivery of flowers and a card from the groom arrived to the room which was good timing as I hadn't done Anne-Marie's makeup, and there were a few tears. 

Christine was next to have her makeup done and has never had it done professionally before so was very nervous, especially when it came to mascara. On Anne-Marie's trial she mentioned how nervous she was of people even touching her eyes so I gave her coping techniques to practice while I did it.  

Christine doesn't wear much makeup so wanted a soft natural look but enough to look good on photographs. 

Considering she was nervous of anyone touching her eyes she was amazing and coped very well, especially when having her eyelashes curled.  Eyelash curlers scare the life out of a lot of people so she wasn't on her own. 

I then did the makeup of Anne-marie who doesn't wear much makeup so whilst looking for inspiration she came across one  of my previous brides and liked the makeup I recently did on a Becky. Because Anne-Marie's dress was so elegant and lacy it was a perfect makeup look for her. Annie-Marie's concern was to cover her skin as she wanted a flawless complexion that lasted the day and night. 

Anne-Marie usually has problems getting foundations to last the day so I used a technique of application that would ensure a long lasting wear time. And the day after when I messaged Anne-Marie to check everything was ok she was over the moon and shocked at how long and amazing her makeup was. 

I used the Motives Cosmetics Malven palette for the eye shadow, bobbi brown eyeliner with waterproof mascara  and individual eyelashes. Her eyes looked amazing and well defined.

Everybody's makeup was finished with a long wear setting spray and I helped move all the wedding clothes and items to the bridal suite. 

Before we all knew it the time had flown by and we were left with the last golden hour to get the ladies all dressed. The bridesmaid dresses were a corset top so while Anne-Marie was getting her dress on with her mom, myself and gemma helped Kirstie and Ellia. 

The photographer took some amazing shots of Anne-Marie and at one point took a picture of the bride and groom holding hands with only a door between them preventing them seeing each other. 

The registrars knocked on the door a little later for the pre-wedding questionnaire  so I got a few photo shots of Kirstie and Ellia. 

Click on the photo below to see the mini video

Annie-Marie was getting married  in the Colin Lewis suite and because it was a lovely day she decided to walk outside round to the top part of the building rather than through the bar area. It was here I said my goodbyes and wished her luck. 

I was so proud to have been with Anne-Marie on her special wedding day  let alone do her makeup. 

Thankyou so much .....

Enjoy your Jamacia Honey moon and Congratulations. 

Mandy Eccleshall

The Moat House, Acton Trussell

15/5/2015

I couldn't wait for this wedding as the bridesmaid, who was the bride's eldest daughter, is a friend from my old work so I knew it was going to be a blast. 

Mandy was getting married to Alan at the Moat House in Acton Trussell but was getting ready at home. The Moat House which has been one of Staffordshire’s most popular wedding venues for the last 25 years is Located alongside the Staffordshire and Worcestershire canal in the picturesque village of Acton Trussell, the venue is set in stunning grounds and surrounded by tranquil waters. The moat house is certainly one of my favourite venues because I had my wedding reception there 8 years ago.

The Moat House, Acton Trussell

Mandy sent the groom off to The Oak Farm the night before and said she hated saying goodbye to him.

I was the first to arrive at 7am and saw the dining room table neatly displaying everyone's hair slides, jewellery and wedding cards along with well wishes from friends and family. It was beautiful. Then I noticed the gorgeous blue bridesmaid dresses hanging in the window from the rail. I had to get my camera out and take some photos.

Mandy's colour theme was white and blue.

I had a lovely cuppa tea and got to work straight away as I had 5 gorgeous ladies to do.

I started the makeup of Kel first who requested I didn't make her look like a child. I was puzzled by this until she told me she was 12. My mouth nearly hit the floor - I thought she was about 16/17. She thought I was just going to put lipgloss on her and be done but how wrong she was.

I used lots of bronze and gold tones as she had gorgeous green eyes which I wanted to extenuate. Once her eyes were primed I used 'All that Glitters' eyeshadow by MAC all over her eyelid then 'Darkhorse' from Urban Decays naked palette to her outer corner and lined using Creep from the same palette. Mascara and individual lashes were used and she was one happy girl. Her eyebrows were combed and powdered to enhance her green eyes even more so.

I used Estée Lauder Doublewear and powdered a slight contour and gave her Rosy cheeks using my favourite blush of the moment 'Dainty' from MAC!!

We then got to my favourite bit, the lips! I used a beautiful muted rose lip stain from Max Factor and then applied my new love Motives Lip Shine in Glam. OMG did they shine. Everyone in the room including Mandy was asking to have that combo on, and I couldn't have agreed more. I was just finishing off when the door went and it was the very lovely and talented Gemma from Dream Bridal Hair.

Kel The Bridesmaid

I then got to work on the other two bridesmaids Chloe and Katie. I used majority of the same makeup on all the bridesmaids but changed techniques according to eye shape and face shape. I had so much fun with these girls as I had a lot in common with them. I used to work with Katie when I was a nurse and she was a care assistant so had some gossip and a lot of catch up chat to have. The girls were so down to earth and I found it hilarious how much they all took selfies. Every time I looked up from what I was doing they were either looking in the mirror smiling and posing or smiling and posing in front of their phone. I must admit I love it when I see that as I know they're happy with what I've done.

Chloe the Bridesmaid

I find it fascinating how people watch me while I'm working, asking questions and asking for tips as I find makeup so natural to do, and everyone who knows me knows how much I adore my makeup so can happily talk to anyone about it.

Katie the Bridesmaid

I was down 1 bridesmaid as she was  having her hair done at her normal hairdresser so I started the bride. Mandy's hair only needed finishing off and her veil putting in.

Mandy liked her makeup and especially her eyes so I sticked to the same eye shadows as the bridesmaids but using them lightly as I wanted to concentrate on giving her some beautiful eyelashes to emphasize her eyes. She'd never had eyelashes before and I think she was quite nervous about having them but as soon as she saw them in the mirror was in love and couldn't believe she couldn't feel them on.

I finished the rest of Mandy's face and putting on the highly requested lip combo in time as Stuart from Stuart James photography had just turned up. Mandy felt better knowing that she had hair and makeup done. Mandy couldn't praise Stuart enough, she was so impressed with her engagement photo shoot.

Natalie the Bridesmaid

The other 3 bridesmaids arrived from the hairdressers so I could then make a start on my last bridesmaid. The other two bridesmaids were going to do their own hair and makeup. The room got very loud and was full of smiles and laughter and reminiscing. It was such a good atmosphere and you could see how much of a lovely mom and friend Mandy is. The Champagne was then opened which everyone had been waiting for as nobody wanted to start without the others. I was offered a glass which I never decline, but I had a few sips and it blew my head off. I couldn't believe how strong it was but then I asked what it was, it was Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne.

The bridesmaids started to disappear and then return in their gorgeous dresses, apart from Katie who burst out the bathroom in her underwear and tights. It was so funny as she was trying to hide from Stuart who was outside taking photos of the other bridesmaids and just as she said that he came in. She then, as only Kate knew how, started to strike a pose. She was so funny.

Then from behind her in came her mom in her dress. Mandy looked amazing. Her dress was gorgeous. The dress was bought from Rebecca Jaynes Mix and Match in Rugeley and was bought for her by her brother and sister-in-law. She certainly picked the perfect dress.

Mandy had done such an amazing job picking everything out for her wedding. She certainly had the best of everything. I loved how elegant everything was.

Paul from Platinum wedding cars arrived nice and early to take Mandy to the Moat House. So the house started to get a little bit more frantic and loud.

The wedding flowers were also delivered which were supplied by Lavender Flowers and were roses and blue things with tiny diamante's in the centre's of the roses. They were stunning.

Everyone's lip gloss was topped up and the bridesmaids went off in their hummer car first just leaving me, Gemma and Mandy.

I think Mandy was getting nervous at this point but she said how calm she felt. We were then joined by her two friends for well wishes before she had to go.

I packed up my stuff and ran ahead, waiting outside with my camera.

The light caught Mandy's dress and it sparkled liked a diamond.

I'm looking forward to seeing Stuart's photos as he's good at capturing natural photos.

Mandy and Alan are off celebrating their marriage with a honeymoon on a Mediterranean Cruse.

Here is a little video and photos I've put together of the morning. Hope you like it x

If you would like to book me to do your makeup. Please take a look at my website www.helenpearsonmua.com 

You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pintrest, LinkedIn you can email me helenpearsonmua@hotmail.com 

or ring me on 07826 542 676

Lisa Lloyd

The Moat House, Acton Trussell
10 May 2015

Myself and Gemma from Dream Bridal Hair were contacted by a bride in distress. Unfortunately she had not had a positive outcome from a previous hair and makeup trial. She came across us after a recommendation from her seamstress and luckily we had the date free. 

Gemma and I were messaging Lisa for a few weeks before we finally met her at the trial. Lisa initially only booked me and Gemma for herself as her mom and daughter had been put off from the previous trial.

We completed the trial and Lisa was happy with us doing her makeup and hair for her wedding, so much so that her mom and daughter wanted a trial. 

Lisa married Jon at The Moat House which has been one of Staffordshire’s most popular wedding venues for the last 25 years. Located alongside the Staffordshire and Worcestershire canal in the picturesque village of Acton Trussell, the venue is set in stunning grounds and surrounded by tranquil waters. The moat house is certainly one of my favourite venues because I had my wedding reception there 8 years ago. 

The wedding theme was cornflower blue and vintage in style. 

I arrived at the Moat House on the morning of the wedding to Lisa and her step daughter Charlotte outside very nervously excited and also tired from having an unsettled crying baby in their room next door. We went into the Moat House where I discovered they had a lift - after 8 years of knowing the Moat House yet not knowing there is a lift. Years of struggling up the grand staircase has come to an end hahaha. 

We all got settled in and got my makeup kit out then made a start on the beautiful Charlotte who wanted a Kylie Jenner look. 

While I was doing her makeup we were joined by our third partner in crime Laura from Laura's Mobile Hairdressing to blow dry and style the mother of the bride. And Gemma started to style the hair of Lisa. So everybody was having something done, and enjoying a glass of champagne. 

For Charlotte's makeup it was pretty simple as it was more about the eyeliner and the lips so I created a very simple eye using Makeup Geek "Beeches and Cream" eye shadow and creating a subtle crease using the lighter colour of my Motives eyebrow palette, on the lid I lightly applied Vanilla eye shadow from MAC.  I then used a piece of tape to help me create a sharp flick and then lined the rest of the eye to the desired shape then lots of my favourite Max Factor mascara. 

I used Mehron prep skin as a primer as Charlotte experiences super shiny/ greasy skin, then used Estée Lauder "Doublewear foundation" and set with powder. I used my Anastasia Beverly Hills contour palette for contouring and highlighting. I used MAC's Melba blush and finished off with MAC's Sore Lip Pencil and a little touch of Angel lipstick to the center. 

Charlotte loved her makeup and was very happy with it. 

Charlotte the Bridesmaid

The flowers were delivered from Lavender Flowers, Penkridge and were beautiful white roses with cornflower blue flowers. They looked gorgeous and Lisa was over the moon with them. After seeing the flowers Lisa wanted to see how the ceremony room was looking but was worried about guests of the wedding who were checking in seeing her. However the excitement got the better of her and she risked it. She managed to sneak a peak and even saw the cake. She had Vintage individual cakes which were made by Amerton cakes in Stafford. 

Wedding cake from Amerton Cakes

Beautiful flowers from Lavender Flowers, Penkridge

She was one happy lady and couldn't wait to come back and tell me about the room. 

I then did the makeup of Lisa's mom who by her own admission and rightfully so is a perfectionist, so I was quite nervous about doing her makeup. I primed her face using Smashbox photo Finish primer and used Urban Decay's eye shadow primer potion. Her mom was wearing a blue Jacque Vert suit for the wedding so I used my YSL eyeshadow  palette in Tuxedo which looked amazing with her eye colour and complimented the suit colour, I then lined her eyes using Estee Lauder's brown eyeliner pencil then finished the eyes off using my favourite mascara. 

Lisa's mom had beautiful skin and only needed a small amount to even tone out so used my favourite MAC's face and body foundation set with Powder and applied blusher. I finished with Estée Lauder lipstick in Potent and MAC fix+. 

Mother of the Bride

Lisa's hair was finished and I was then ready to do her makeup. 

Lisa's hair and dress was very 1940's vintage so we needed to go down that route with her makeup. 

Her eye makeup was pretty simple. I used Urban Decay's Eye shadow Primer Potion and used my Urban Decay Naked Basics palette to even Lisa's eyelids, then using MAC's Naked Lunch eye shadow on the eyelid. I used Bobbi Brown gel eyeliner in Black to create a wing,  applied my favourite mascara then individual lashes. 

Lisa was blessed with her mom's good genes and her skin was beautiful. I used Estée Lauder Doublewear foundation and powdered with MAC mineralize powder, then applied MAC's 'dainty' blusher. 

Lisa the Bride

There was a lot going on in the room by the time it was ready for lipstick so I applied MAC's 'Lady Danger' Lipstick. At the trial when I suggested red lipstick to fit in with the theme of the wedding Lisa said no as she didn't suit the colour at all, so a nude lip colour was used. I was messaged later on in the week by Lisa to say she'd gone into a MAC store and tried on a number of red lipsticks which just confirmed they didn't suit her. But a theme is a theme and 1940's vintage wouldn't be that without red lipstick. So as Lisa was occupied with what was going on in the room I then applied the red lipstick, which looked amazing on her. I do believe that because she'd got her hair styled 1940's and the rest of her makeup was 1940's it all came together nicely. I was mega nervous showing Lisa the finished look as she didn't see me put the red lipstick on her and especially as we were running out of time too and everyone was panicking a little, but she loved it. She 100% loved the red lipstick and the rest of the makeup. It was a hit!

We were joined during all the madness by Les from Barry James Photography who took some of the wedding jewellery peices and shoes for photos. 

The last hour came very fast upon us and was panicking a little as we had been held back a little bit earlier, but luckily the last hour went very slowly. We seemed to get a lot of stuff done in that hour. Gemma and myself helped by transferring all of Lisa bags and wedding items like her dress etc into the bridal suite. Lisa and Charlotte got into their dresses and last minute adjustments done. Lisa looked radiant and very beautiful. Lisa had her dress from Adele Louise Bridal and is a Justin Alexander design. Both Charlotte and Lisa's dresses were very similar as they wanted to be as much the same as possible.  Lisa's mom used to be a seamstress so made the bridesmaid dress herself and was also on hand during the wedding planning to help with alterations. 

Everything looked so perfect. The registrars came to the room to give the pre wedding interview and then we were ready to go down. 

Les from Barry James Photography took some pre-wedding photos and some gorgeous photos on the grand stair case. 

I wanted to see Lisa into the ceremony room so left my packing up till after. 

Lisa was greeted by Gaynor, the Moat House's wedding coordinator, at the bottom of the stair case to ensure Lisa was happy with everything then handed her over to Ben who escorted her to the special red carpet entrance of the Ceremony room. I turned my camera on and started to video Lisa,  she walked into the room with the song "million years" by Christina Perri  andI managed to get her walking down the isle which was amazing, I was lucky I could see so many smiling faces looking at Lisa walk down to Jon. 

And she was gone. I couldn't wait to get back and view the photos of the morning. 

Lisa and Jon are going on Honeymoon to Pathos, Cyprus. 

If you would like to book me to do your makeup. Please take a look at my website www.helenpearsonmua.com 

You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pintrest, LinkedIn you can email me helenpearsonmua@hotmail.com 

or ring me on 07826 542 676